Ryan Giggs has left Manchester United to pursue a career in club management.
Giggs, who has been with United since he was 14, is the most decorated player in Premier League history and its record appearance-maker, having played 632 matches.
The Welshman spent the last two seasons as assistant manager to Louis van Gaal, who was replaced by Jose Mourinho this summer. He had taken temporary charge of the first team at the end of 2013/14 after the departure of David Moyes.
The 42-year-old feels the time has come to move on to best fulfil his coaching ambitions.
"After 29 seasons at Manchester United as a player and assistant manager, I know winning is in the DNA of this club - giving youth a chance, and playing attacking and exciting football," read a statement by Giggs on manutd.com. "It's healthy to have high expectations, it's right to expect to win. Manchester United expects, deserves, nothing less.
"This is why it is a huge decision for me to step away from the club that has been my life since the age of 14. It has not been a decision that I have made lightly. I'll take away so many special memories as well as a lifetime of experiences that will, I hope, serve me well in the future.
"However, the time feels right and, although I have no immediate plans to step into management, it is where I want to be."
Full full statement read here >>
Executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward said that Gigg's place in the history of the cloub was assured.
"The experiences and discipline he developed at United will undoubtedly be a big help as he continues to learn his trade," Woodward said. "He has all the attributes to be a terrific manager in the future. Everyone at the club wishes him well in his new career. He will be missed but will always be welcome at Manchester United."
Giggs broke into the United first team in 1990 as the first of a string of youth-team graduates who included David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt.
He helped the Red Devils dominate the Premier League for two decades, winning 13 Premier League titles, as well as two UEFA Champions Leagues, one UEFA Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, one FIFA Club World Cup, four FA Cups and four League Cups.
Giggs, who captained his country and played 64 times for Wales, scored 109 Premier League goals, was voted PFA Young Player of the Year two years running, won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award in 2008/09 and the Premier League Player of the Month award on three occasions.
Four years ago he was voted the Best Player of the 20 Seasons of the Premier League.
Giggs also achieved the unique feat of scoring in each of the first 21 seasons of the Premier League, until the streak stopped in 2013/14, when his appearances were limited as he became player-coach under Moyes.
